The radiator fluid is clean, engine oil is fine, transmission oil is still pink. I believe the previous owner maintained it through Firestone, somewhat.

I pressure washed the whole damn thing. And found that I might need to change the rear main seal because of some minor leaking. I also plan on changing the rear diff. fluid (some leaking there), transfer case fluid, and the front diff. fluid and repack the bearings(?).

Besides that, I believe the driveline is in good shape.

As far as the suspension; I ordered a steering stabilizer from Rough Country and I'm pretty sure all 4 shocks are worn. I experience death wobble coming down a bridge de-accelerating from 80 mph and it wasn't fun.

And here is my dilemma; I like the performance of the stock Jeep, the gas mileage, no road noise, no drivetrain vibrations and the overall look. But the lift kits come with new shocks and I'll probably want to lift it once I start wheeling and taking it out on trails. I just don't know if it's right for me at the moment because I'll probably be gone to basic for the USCG by the end of the year (haven't gotten my ship date yet, working on my security clearance stuff now) but it'll probably be less than 6 months. Its going to sit for 2-6 months, probably, might even be longer.

So should I just replace the shocks with heavy duty/towing(rear)/stock economy(front) shocks or order a 4.5 Series X RC lift and tires?

It is not, lift or no lift. It should be I want XX" tires, what do I need to be able to wheel this? Your asking the wrong question.. Or at least asking at wrong time.. Fact, if you plan to run OEM tire sizes 215, 225 and yes 235/75r15. You don't NEED a lift to wheel a XJ. What you need is protection and traction aids. Now if you want 31" tires or bigger, you MIGHT need a lift. But remember big tires use more gas. So that means if you want bigger than 31" you need gears to recover some of the lost power and MPGs. IMO there is no reason to lift an XJ over 3.5" or go bigger than 31" tires..

It is not, lift or no lift. It should be I want XX" tires, what do I need to be able to wheel this? Your asking the wrong question.. Or at least asking at wrong time.. Fact, if you plan to run OEM tire sizes 215, 225 and yes 235/75r15. You don't NEED a lift to wheel a XJ. What you need is protection and traction aids. Now if you want 31" tires or bigger, you MIGHT need a lift. But remember big tires use more gas. So that means if you want bigger than 31" you need gears to recover some of the lost power and MPGs. IMO there is no reason to lift an XJ over 3.5" or go bigger than 31" tires..

that kinda depends on terrain. here there are times when my break over angle at ~4.5 inches of lift and 31s isnt enough

It is not, lift or no lift. It should be I want XX" tires, what do I need to be able to wheel this?

X2, the whole point of a lift is to be able to fit the tires you want on there...

I have 31" tires on a 2" lift, rub like crazy off road. (lift was on there when I bought it) going to a 3.5" lift, and when my 31" tires wear out I'll probably throw some 33's with some fender trimming, a regear, and at least a rear auto locker.

I have 31" tires, currently at 2" lift front and 3" rear. Lowered from 5". Front also has some very light shaving of the flares, extended bump stops and adjusted steering stops. I only rub in the rear when flexed. Inside of rear tires hit inside of the wheel well. 1/2" less backspacing or extended rear bump stop will fix that.

I've been beating myself up over the same thing. I need this Jeep to get me to work several days a week. However, it's a gas sucker for sure. Lifting would make that worse, and ruin the already basically terrible ride. I'm thinking about some good shocks and some 235 tires (currently 215). Eventually want a rear lunchbox locker for that extra umph off road and skid plates eventually, as the junk yard comes up with them.